1) JAH LOVE - STRONG FOUNDATION LP/CD - (Strong Foundation, CA): A seminal release in American-produced reggae music, destined to be a classic, and quite a musical collaborative achievement for Bay Area-based production crew and recording label Strong Foundation. They have been working on independent hip-hop and reggae releases since the 1980’s, and have culminated their studio magic in this effort, a full length, double-vinyl and CD recording of some of Jamaica’s finest singers and deejays over home-grown reggae/roots/dancehall rhythms. What stands out immediately ‘pon listening is how crystal clear and balanced the mix is, easy to naturally boom. Conscious vocalist Daweh Congo, thumping deejay IPA, the popular independent singer Yami Bolo of Yam Euphony Music, old school rankin deejay Rankin Joe, spiritually passionate and versatile singer Rocker T, fire burning deejay Norris Man, ear-shattering singer Ras Shiloh, chanting Ras I Word, smooth Fiji, legendary Sugar Minott, deep thinking Natty Bi, and mastermind producers Ces-One & Jah Yzer have created versions of a few original rhythms that turn this release into a Jah love and fire burn-style sonic rampage. Of all the excellent tunes, "Father’s House" strikes me best, as a song that builds each verse into the fabric of the heartbeat drum drops. With multiple tunes on the same rhythms, while listening you feel there is a movement behind this, in its most simplistic a Bay Area - Jamaica collaboration redefining modern Rastafari-inspired reggae music. Says Ces-One of Strong Foundation of the philosophy behind this release, "Jah works is first and foremost in my life so forwarding Jah works and Jah message is a priority for myself and my family. We ask Jah to help us humble ourselves every day so we are more and more fit and worthy. We want to see firmament in ourselves and Jah children. We seek out spreading positivity and Jah message in music, in all different forms of music. We like to call it pop psalms, not pop songs. I am seeking to do this with all different types of artists, hip hop, r’n’b, reggae, dancehall, bashment. People like Jah-Yzer, my brother Bear, Yami Bolo, and Mr. Vegas, these are artists we work with." Local deejay Jah-Yzer was involved in the creation of this album, and years of selecting have likely refined his tastes to only the choicest of sound. Highly recommended for any and all reggae fans, this one deserves an extra long play time with your best circle of friends.

2) DARKER THAN BLUE: SOUL FROM JAMDOWN: 1973-1980 - Various Artists CD (Blood and Fire, UK): If you love soul reggae renditions, Motown, Curtis Mayfield, deep blue pain-inspired tunes, and musicianship that makes you exclaim "damn those reggae musicians know how to make it funky!", you will appreciate this as I do, another blow your mind kind of musical digging adventure from the stables of reissue kings Blood and Fire records. Eighteen finely selected tracks represent everything from "Ghetto Funk" to "Gypsy Woman", and the choice Tamlin’s "Baltimore" just pierces you. As usual, the liner notes are extremely detailed and the booklet is like a mini-documentary of trenchtown Jamaica in the late 70’s, depicting labor unrest and jamdowns, but in the end, this one is for those disbelievers who underestimate the contribution to musical history reggae is. Great for long trip grooving, under the cover loving, and barbeque jamming.

3) REBEL MUSIC - Bob Marley DVD (Palm Pictures): For those who missed the television airing of this newest documentary, you can check out the DVD and learn more details about Bob’s career and personal challenges as he rose to worldwide fame. Producer and director Jeremy Marr intersplices song recording sessions, performances, and numerous interviews with those close to Bob like Rita Marley, the Wailers, and Chris Blackwell to create a definite unidirectional take on his story. Controversial no doubt; however, for music fans, the session recordings and studio footage captures interest, and shows the at-work side of this influential artist.

4) DAMN RIGHT! - Mr. Vegas LP/CD (Greensleeves, UK): Following the worldwide club success of "Heads High!", the tune Mr. Vegas says was "written to get the biggest reaction from the people" but in no way represents a reality of Jamaican popular thought on the X-rated subject, is this full-length recording on one of the main reggae labels to run it worldwide on the reggae scene, legendary Greensleeves. Far from the 80’s days of Yellowman, Sister Nancy, and rockers, they have transformed their productions into slick dancehall deejay advertisements, with ready to air on MTV-stylist videos and photos, and clean crispy musical production. They are still sticking with the current hot stars of the times, reflecting only what popular culture dictates. Mr. Vegas, previously a Jamaican-only recording artist, is allowed the opportunity to reach more fans and flex bigger through their outlet, and also to catch unaware ears with his distinct fast-talking singing style. His promotional tour through the US dropped at Club Dread in San Francisco like hot potato, warming up an otherwise easygoing reggae crowd. Not quite as pop as Shaggy, not conscious, and not rootsy, this is bashment-style rudeboy deejaying, braggadocio on topics of sex and livin’ large like Sean Paul, Silvercat, and Elephant Man. Vocally, he twists and turns fast high-style chatting and intersperses with sing-style deejaying, reminiscent of Tantro Metro and Devonte, except this vocalist is one and the same. Musically, it is catchy and quick, instant floor hittin’, and best on heavy commercial radio rotation if they were to bump reggae on the regular. The best use of this is for your mobile thumping subwoofer in the back, if you know what I mean. Mr. Vegas has room to grow a larger audience if he continues to catch the pop wave like Shaggy, but hopefully he won’t lose his edge, and Caribbean style, in the process of the next popular release.